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Puel said: "If we don’t have any problems with injuries for example, I would like my players on loan to continue their progress, to continue to develop, to take confidence and develop consistency.

"For me it’s the right way for them and for us.

"I want players who are ready to play next season. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Benkovic to play and come back with strength and good quality for us.

“We made at the last transfer window moves to improve the team and prepare the team for the future. Benkovic, like Caglar Soyuncu, was a player we had identified as ready to play for us.

“For Benkovic there was a good opportunity for him to play regularly at a good level with consistency, and he has continued to improve, continued to work.

“I will be happy when he comes back to us after the normal time with Celtic.

“He signed with Leicester City to play in the Premier League, but I repeat this is a fantastic opportunity for him.

Filip Benkovic scores to make it 2-0 (Image: SNS Group)

“I think for the moment it’s our way because we have Wes Morgan, Jonny Evans, Soyuncu, Harry Maguire... If we can continue to give him good game time at a good level it’s fantastic for him and fantastic for us, and afterwards we will have this player ready for next season with us. I think that’s important – it’s a good way to do it.

“If some players have to come back early in January it will be because we have some injury problems or other things.

“We have a balance to the team and for us it’s always important to have that good balance in the squad and give an opportunity of good game time to every player.

“If for example we have five or six centre-backs, we know it’s not possible to manage all these players.

“I prefer we can continue to improve these players and give them some game time. It will have a strong benefit for us and for them.”

Dedryck Boyata signals to the bench to be replaced (Image: SNS Group)

But one defender who could be on his way out of Celtic is Dedryck Boyata. The Belgian is out of contract next summer and Fulham are "back in" for him, according to the Daily Mail.

Boyata angered Brendan Rodgers and Celtic supporters last summer when he refused to travel to a Champions League game in Greece, which resulted in AEK Athens knocking the Hoops out.

He had wanted to leave the club but the Premiership champions had refused to give in to his demands and he stayed.

He's impressed alongside Benkovic since returning to favour and Fulham are ready to make another move for him as they look to fend off relegation to the Championship.

Claudio Ranieri's men are bottom of the Premier League and believe Boyata will help strengthen a defence which has conceded 31 goals in 12 games this season.